ANALYSIS OF A COUPLED ROLL-SPIRAL-MODE, PILOT-INDUCED OSCILLATION EXPERIENCED WITH THE M2-F2 LIFTING BODY

摘要

During the 16 glide flights of the M2-F2 lifting body vehicle, severe lateral pilot-induced oscillations occurred on three occasions in the low-angle-of-attack, final-approach, preflare situation. These oscillations were analyzed qualitatively to determine the type and similarity and by a systems analysis to determine the root cause. The analysis was complemented by a piloted simulator study, which verified the results.nThe systems analysis revealed the presence of a coupled roll-spiral mode which caused the pilots to generate a closed-loop lateral instability in the low-angle-of-attack, preflare flight region.nA systems analysis, a piloted simulator study", and flight data showed that the addition of a fixed center fin lessened the pilot-induced-oscillation tendencies in the critical flight region.